push forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"push forward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is attempting to move ahead with something, either in physical or metaphorical terms. For example, "We need to push forward with this project in order to meet our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes novelists push forward formally.

The New York Times

"You have to push forward.

The New York Times

"Push forward," Genevieve says.

The Guardian - Books

Time to push forward.

The Guardian - Opinion

And, four, to push forward Zahi Hawass.

The New Yorker

Regardless, the sport will push forward.

The New York Times - Sports

We have to push forward".

The New York Times

I have to push forward.

The New York Times

We'll continue to push forward".

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm eager to push forward," Granderson said.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, they want to push forward.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "push forward" when you want to convey a sense of effort and determination in moving towards a goal. It's particularly effective when facing resistance or obstacles.

Common error

Avoid using "push forward" in passive constructions where the agent is unclear or omitted. This can weaken the impact of the phrase and make the writing less direct.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "push forward" is as a phrasal verb, acting as the main verb in a sentence to describe the act of advancing or continuing with effort. Ludwig shows numerous examples of this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Science & Research

4%

Forbes

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "push forward" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that signifies making progress with effort and determination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, it's best employed to convey a sense of proactive advancement, especially when facing challenges. While similar to phrases like "move forward" or "press on", "push forward" carries a stronger implication of overcoming resistance. Avoid using it passively to maintain a clear and impactful message. By following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate "push forward" into your writing to convey a sense of progress and resolve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move forward

Similar, but lacks the forceful implication of "push". More neutral.

press onward

Emphasizes continued movement forward despite potential obstacles. Slightly more literary.

press on

Indicates persistence in the face of challenges. Similar in tone.

forge ahead

Suggests overcoming difficulties and making progress. Implies a determined effort.

drive forward

Suggests energetic and forceful advancement, more forceful than "push forward".

advance

A more general term for moving forward, either physically or metaphorically. Lacks the sense of effort.

make progress

Focuses on the outcome of moving forward, rather than the action itself. Less direct.

keep going

Emphasizes perseverance and continuation. More general and less specific.

propel onward

Suggests a strong impetus. More formal and less common.

continue the momentum

Emphasizes sustaining progress that has already been achieved. Focus is more on keeping the current state.

FAQs

How can I use "push forward" in a sentence?

You can use "push forward" to describe continuing with effort, such as "We need to push forward with our marketing strategy to increase sales", or rescheduling an event earlier, such as "They decided to push forward the meeting to accommodate everyone's schedules".

What are some alternatives to using "push forward"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "move forward", "press on", or "forge ahead". Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding effort and determination.

Is it more appropriate to say "push forward" or "move forward"?

"Push forward" implies a greater degree of effort and determination than "move forward". Use "push forward" when overcoming obstacles is a key aspect of the action.

Can "push forward" be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts?

Yes, "push forward" can be used both literally, such as in a physical movement, and metaphorically, such as in advancing a project or idea. The meaning remains consistent in both contexts.